Questions to Ask Seniors After a Dementia Diagnosis

The Alzheimer's Association reports that 7.2 million older Americans live with severe cognitive decline.

If your loved one in Gallatin, TN, has recently been diagnosed with dementia, asking them early memory care questions and having meaningful conversations is a priority. Read on to learn some senior engagement tips and questions to ask seniors after a recent dementia diagnosis.

How Are You Feeling?

Clinical studies support the claim that most older adults have some fear of dementia. Those at a higher risk for cognitive decline tend to be more scared of developing it.

Many seniors fear that they will no longer be the person they currently are due to cognitive decline. This loss of the self and important identity markets is terrifying. Being diagnosed with dementia will naturally bring these fears to the forefront of someone's mind.

Ask your loved one how they are feeling and how you can provide dementia diagnosis support. This will show that you care about their emotional struggles. They will understand that you are a safe person to turn to with fears and trepidations.

What Do You Know About Dementia?

Many seniors don't know much about dementia before they're diagnosed with it. They may only have terrifying misconceptions about cognitive decline. They also may be scared because they don't know what's about to happen to them.

These trepidations make sense, and families can provide dementia diagnosis support by answering their loved one's questions.

You can ask:

• What type of dementia have you been diagnosed with, and what does that mean to you?
• Have you researched the most common dementia symptoms?
• Do you have any questions about them?
• What dementia symptoms are you the most concerned about?
• What specific reasons for your diagnosis can you identify?
• Do you know about dementia treatments?
  
  

Open and honest communication is the first step toward easing your loved one's mind. If they get answers to their most pressing questions, they may feel well-equipped with the knowledge they need to move forward.

Would You Like to Research Dementia Together?

Of course, you can't possibly be expected to know everything about dementia immediately after your loved one's diagnosis. You likely have questions, too.

Researching dementia and its symptoms with your senior family member can help ease everyone's minds.

Look for credible sources from:

• Google Scholar
• Clinical studies from the National Institute of Health
• The World Health Organization
• The Alzheimer's Association

You will be able to find comprehensive documents about dementia. They'll include insights into:

• Testing methods
• Symptoms
• Treatment methods
• Communicating about the diagnosis
• Living a meaningful life with cognitive decline

Your loved one's reaction to the new information will inform you of the most important questions to ask seniors. No two people will have the same worries and concerns, so address what your family member is specifically interested in learning about.

Are You Open to Early Memory Care Intervention?

Professional memory care can help seniors stay as sharp as possible despite dementia's symptoms. The Capstone at Station Camp offers a wide range of help for memory care residents.

Our team aims to intervene early to slow cognitive decline in dementia and Alzheimer's patients. This includes offering:

• Games and puzzles that are designed to boost cognitive function and short-term memory
• Mindfully-created sensory experiences that stimulate multiple important areas of the brain
• Reminiscence therapy that stimulates long-term memory and gets seniors back in touch with their identities
• Fresh-prepared meals that use ingredients that are scientifically proven to boost brain health

Stress these things when discussing the timeline for early memory care intervention. Additionally, make sure to inform loved ones about how memory care communities offer specialized support. Our staff is uniquely trained to work with seniors experiencing cognitive decline, and they have a lot of experience with these individuals, too.

Knowing this can help your loved one experience greater peace of mind!

Then, answer any early memory care questions your loved one has. Scheduling a visit to our senior living community is a great way to get even more information.

Our specially-trained memory care caregivers know the answers to all of our new residents' inquiries, so we can help them feel more confident while transitioning to our community.

What Do You Value in a Memory Care Community?

Once your loved one understands the benefits of a memory care community, ask what features and amenities are most important to them.

Great Tennessee communities offer amenities like:

• Bright, spacious apartments
• Pet-friendly amenities and areas
• A dog park for your furry friend
• A bistro lounge
• Formal and community dining rooms
• A Great Room for lounging and relaxation
• A fitness center that encourages health and wellness
• A sunroom for soaking up some sunlight while lying with a good book
• Landscaped outdoor areas
• Gardens for enjoying nature
• Walking trails on community grounds

Residents also unlock:

• Help with daily activities, including cleanliness and hygiene maintenance
• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• 24-hour assistance
• Delicious chef-prepared meals
• A robust, diverse activity calendar that offers events tailored to multiple interests

See what your loved one values most and show them what's offered at The Capstone at Station Camp. This may get them more excited for the transition to senior living.

How Can I Help You Feel More at Ease?

Being diagnosed with dementia is a major life change. It's a transitional stage that comes with a lot of new feelings.

Asking your loved one how you can help them feel more peaceful is a great way to strengthen your relationship. By letting them know that you're there, you provide peace of mind and steady support.

Questions to Ask Seniors: Beyond Offering Dementia Diagnosis Support

Now that you know some questions to ask seniors who have been recently diagnosed with dementia, it's time to have meaningful conversations about family care planning. While this can be challenging, it's a critical part of helping your loved one age happily and healthily.

Talk about how The Capstone at Station Camp works tirelessly to help older adults with dementia thrive. Discuss memory care options and determine the best way to get support in Gallatin.

We're always excited to meet potential residents and their families, and we offer half off the first month's rent for qualifying new residents who are past service men and women.

Schedule a tour to see what makes our amenities and lifestyle options stand out!